If you said the Dodge Charger Pursuit, you’re right. But there’s more Mopar-engineered “badness” coming for it come spring. That’s when an all-wheel-drive version hits the streets, and a high(er)-performance brake system joins the option list—both of which are making their presence known in the annual Michigan State Police (MSP) vehicle-evaluation tests.

Since 1978, MSP’s demanding test program has determined which vehicles perform the best under conditions simulating real-world patrol and pursuit situations, as well as to evaluate their serviceability, interior ergonomics, and other factors that fleet managers look at.

In the 2014 MSP vehicle-evaluation testing, the Chargers are making their presence known. The AWD version set a single-lap record on Michigan’s Grattan Raceway of 1:33.85—and a best average lap time of 1:34.75 on the hilly, twisting, two-mile road course. (The complete 2014 test is available online at www.michigan.gov/msp)

2/7Cop shops across the country have only one choice for a North American-built, V8-powered, 2014 rear-drive sedan for patrol, pursuit or interceptor duty—the Dodge Charger Pursuit.

“Chrysler Group offers those who protect and serve us with the best pursuit-rated sedans in the business.”—Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC.

“With the record-holding rear-wheel drive Dodge Charger Pursuit and now the fastest-ever recorded all-wheel drive model, Chrysler Group offers those who protect and serve us with the best pursuit-rated sedans in the business,” says Peter Grady, who’s Chrysler’s Vice President of Network Development and Fleet. “And, with the only test cars achieving lap times less than 1:34, Dodge Charger Pursuit highlights the segment’s best combination of world-class technology, acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics.”

That’s the result of a lot of time in the lab, on the test track, and input from law-enforcement professionals from coast to coast on Dodge’s Police Advisory Board.

Top that with the new hardware like the high-performance brake system, which replaces the 13.6-inch-diameter front rotors with 14.5-inch-diameter ones, increases the swept area of both front and rear calipers—and (per preliminary MSP test data) haul it down from 60-0 in about 127 feet.

6/7Push bumpers for ’14 Charger Pursuits can be ordered from the factory as a separate option, or in a patrol-equipment package that saves upfitting time.

Then there’s the AWD system.

All-wheel-drive 2014 Charger Pursuits feature an active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system, which lets it seamlessly switch from rear-drive to all-wheel-drive while the driver keeps both hands on the steering wheel, and eyes on the road. When AWD isn’t needed, it switches back to rear-drive to maximize fuel economy while, as Ma Mopar says, “…still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.” (Especially Hemi-powered ones.)

What does this mean? How about more reasons to never outrun or out-maneuver one, and more reasons to keep your eyes peeled for these once they start hitting the used-car market (as “gently-used” former demonstrators—like BAD COP was--as well as de-commissioned patrol cars).

How do they compare with classic B-Body and C-Body Mopar squads of the past? Very well—these new ones combine engineered-in toughness that all Mopar squads have had since the mid-1950s with 21st Century powertrain and chassis tech and performance that bests not only those classic squads’ 0-60 and ¼-mile times, but those of many muscle-era civilian Mopars as well.

In short, Elwood Blues would love it.

7/7Inside, a certified 160-mph speedometer and tach highlight the dash, while Uconnect and everything but the radios, light/siren switches and laptop is available from Ma Mopar as a factory-installed option.

Fast Facts2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit

Mopar Power

Engine: A choice of two Cop Engines—a heavy-duty 3.6L Pentastar V6 that’s rated at 290 hp, or the latest heavy-duty 5.7L Hemi, factory-rated at 370 hp. (AWD will be available only with the Hemi.)

Interior: Heavy-duty front buckets that’ll comfortably hold even the biggest patrol officers in place for an eight hour shift; rear seat available in cloth or vinyl, options include full-length console, a choice of multimedia systems including Uconnect, and deactivated rear doors and windows.